The double Olympic medalist Lalit Kumar Upadhyay announced his retirement from international hockey on Sunday and brought to the closure of a decorated career that lasted for decades and transformed it from a small urban sensation into one of the most reliable Indian attackers.
The announcement came shortly after India packed its FIH season for League with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Belgium. The 31-year-old man, who comes from Varanasi in Uttarprady, leaves a link marked with resistance, skills and two historical Olympic bronze medals-Tocyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
“This journey began in a small village, with limited resources, but unlimited dreams. From waiting for sting operations to standing on the Olympic stage – not once, but twice – it was a journey full of challenges, growth and unforgettable pride.
Upadhyay, who debuted the Senior International Debut in 2014, gathered more than 179 caps and scored more than 40 goals for India. He was widely admired for his neat work, attacked creativity and determination on the pitch. Yet his way to success was nothing but smooth.
In 2008, at only 17 years, Lalit found himself on Wednesday’s controversial sting operation aimed at revealing corruption in Indian hockey. Although he later liberated, Fallout saw him falling from the national program and leaving his career in Tatters. The non -maintenance almost led him to completely leave sport.
But with the leadership of his first coach Shri Parmananda Mishhr and the unwavering support of former Indian captain Dhanra Pillay-Ktern, he helped him to arrange a contract with Air India in 2010 in 2010 began to rebuild. His revival continued in 2014 with work in BPCL, with the kind permission of Tushar Khandker and Stint with Kalinga Lancers in the hockey Indian league.
Soon he became a vital wheel in the Indian Middle Field and contributed to a major continental victory, including gold medals on Asian trophies in 2016 and 2018 and Asia 2017. Also helped India win bronze at the Hockey World League 2017 and silver on the 2018 Champions Trophy trophy.
“Today I announce my retirement from international hockey. It’s a difficult moment, but every athlete has to face one day. It was the greatest honor and pride of my life to represent our country. Thank you for everything,” Lalit published from the official X handle.
In his farewell remark, Lalit recognized many individuals and institutions that played key roles on his way. “To my first coach Shri Parmanand Mishhra, who introduced me hockey and built my foundation. For Harender Sir, who gave me my first break by picking me in Air India. For the very Bhai and Dhanraj, who mentor me with care and belief. which I have with pride. ”
But perhaps the most moving tribute was reserved for his teammates and contemporary Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh. “Hockey gave me everything and you are one of his greatest gifts, brother,” Lalit wrote.
Lalit’s story, honored by the Arjuna Award in 2021, is one of the gravel, grace and redemption. His contribution to Indian hockey exceeds statistics-inspiring generation of players from a humble environment to believe that with endurance and passion can be overcome even the most difficult failures
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 23, 2025
